Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 ½ cups heavy cream (dairy-free options can be substituted as noted); ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

If you’re on the lookout for a weeknight dinner that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, you’ve hit the jackpot. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to, especially when I want comfort food that’s rich and satisfying but still feels fancy enough for guests. The combination of tender chicken with a garlicky, creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach just hits every note perfectly. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Flavor: The sauce is decadently creamy without being heavy, thanks to fresh parmesan and heavy cream.
Simple Yet Impressive: Few ingredients, straightforward steps, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and speedy prep.
Family Favorite: My kids actually request this dish – that never happens with most recipes!

In a white pan, four thick chicken pieces sit, each covered in a creamy orange sauce speckled with black pepper. The sauce is smooth and rich with visible pieces of wilted dark green spinach and deep red sun-dried tomatoes scattered over and around the chicken. The chicken has a light sear with a slightly golden-brown color at the edges. The pan rests on a grey textured cloth, and the close-up view captures the creamy texture and vibrant colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet, Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, easy creamy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken meals, Italian chicken skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe plays its part perfectly — from the Italian seasoning that gives the chicken its aromatic charm to the sun-dried tomatoes that add a burst of tangy sweetness. Picking quality ingredients really makes a difference, especially the parmesan and olive oil here.

Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small heap of mixed dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary), coarse kosher salt crystals, a small pile of freshly ground black pepper, a few garlic cloves with papery skins removed, finely chopped yellow onion in a small mound, thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl holding extra virgin olive oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet, Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, easy creamy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken meals, Italian chicken skillet

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like using 6-ounce breasts for even cooking and juicy results.
Italian seasoning: If you can get a blend with oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary, it’s magic for that Tuscan vibe.
Kosher salt: Always use kosher salt for better seasoning control and flavor depth.
Freshly ground black pepper: Fresh ground makes a big flavor difference compared to pre-ground.
Extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality EVOO adds richness and is perfect for searing.
Garlic cloves: Mince fresh garlic for that punch of savory aroma; it’s not the same with jarred stuff.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy tomatoes.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Thin slices bring concentrated tomato flavor—opt for the oil-packed kind if you want extra depth.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and color without overpowering the dish.
Heavy cream: This is the backbone of that luscious sauce—don’t skimp here. For dairy-free, coconut cream is a good substitute (though the flavor will shift).
Freshly grated parmesan: Adds that salty, nutty finish that rounds out the creamy sauce perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe is—you can tweak it easily to match whatever mood you’re in or ingredient you have on hand. Don’t be shy to make it your own.

Make it Spicier: I sometimes throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic—it adds a wonderful subtle heat that my family adores.
Swap the Protein: Turkey breasts or even pork chops can work here if you want a little change from chicken.
Dairy-Free Twist: When I tried coconut cream instead of heavy cream, the sauce was still creamy but with a tropical hint—perfect if you like experimenting with flavors.
Loaded with Mushrooms: Adding sliced cremini mushrooms in with the onions gives an earthy depth that’s just fantastic.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

The first step is all about building that flavor base. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—that helps them brown up nicely. Then season both sides generously with the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I like to use my hands to really rub the spices in so the taste penetrates well. This step is key for a flavorful crust when you sear.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken breasts. You’ll want to sear them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. The golden crust locks in the juices, making the chicken so much more tender inside. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside; don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Onions, Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In that same skillet (leave all those good browned bits behind!), add another tablespoon of oil and toss in your finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant—you’ll know this moment because your kitchen smells amazing. Next, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for another minute until you can really smell the garlic warming up but be careful not to let it burn. These simple ingredients create the flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach and Add Creamy Goodness

Now stir in the baby spinach, cooking just until it starts to wilt—this usually takes about a minute. Then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, giving it a good stir to combine everything. Bring this rich concoction to a gentle simmer; you don’t want a rolling boil but a slow bubble that melts the parmesan and ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Let the Chicken Finish Cooking in the Sauce

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them right into the creamy sauce. Let them cook for about 5 more minutes, spooning sauce over the top occasionally. This step ensures the chicken absorbs all that Tuscan goodness and reaches a safe, juicy temperature. Once everything is heated through, you’re ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps create a better sear and richer flavor.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be grainy; freshly grated melts beautifully into your sauce.
Control the Heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so it thickens without curdling the cream.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to keep the pan temperature right for browning.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white plate with a black rim holds a serving of dark brown lentils on the left side, appearing small and round with a glossy texture. On the right side of the plate, there is a piece of cooked chicken covered in a thick yellow-orange creamy sauce with visible sun-dried tomato strips and small wilted green leafy spinach bits mixed in. The sauce looks smooth and rich, coated fully over the chicken. Beside the plate, there is a silver fork with some sauce on its prongs resting on the right edge, and a silver knife is placed next to the fork, both set on a white marbled surface. The top left corner shows a portion of a white pot filled with more of the yellow-orange sauce with sun-dried tomato pieces and spinach, partly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet, Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, easy creamy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken meals, Italian chicken skillet

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a little fresh chopped parsley or basil—adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness perfectly. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a pinch of extra parmesan right before serving, too. It’s those little touches that make the presentation sparkle.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or buttery pasta to soak up all that sauce. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts are lovely companions. I also like serving it over cauliflower rice when I’m watching carbs—it still feels indulgent!

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I like plating each chicken breast on a bed of creamy polenta, then spooning the sauce over with a sprig of fresh rosemary on top. It feels restaurant-worthy but really easy. You could also serve it family-style, right from the skillet, with crusty bread for dipping—the ultimate cozy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. I find that the flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making for an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully a couple of times by wrapping it tightly and storing it in a freezer-safe container. Just note that the spinach might discolor a bit, and the sauce can separate slightly, but it still reheats well. Just thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring the sauce back together and avoid curdling. Adding a splash of cream or broth helps revive the sauce’s creaminess if it seems a bit thick. Microwaving works too but be cautious of overheating the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs actually stay juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to sear and finish cooking through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream works well, keeping the sauce creamy with a hint of coconut flavor. For a lower-fat choice, half-and-half or evaporated milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich.
How do I get the chicken to brown nicely without sticking?

The trick is to make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding the chicken, and to avoid moving it too soon. Allow it to sear undisturbed for that gorgeous golden crust, then flip carefully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken by seasoning it earlier in the day and store it covered in the fridge until ready to cook. The entire dish can also be made a day ahead; just gently reheat as needed to enjoy maximum flavor.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe comes together—not only does it deliver on flavor and texture, but it’s genuinely simple enough for busy nights. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became my favorite way to make chicken because everyone in the family raved about it. Plus, there’s something so cozy and satisfying about the creamy sauce and aromatic herbs that makes anyone feel like a kitchen rockstar. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily you can bring Tuscan-inspired magic right to your table.